TMC vs BJP showdown intensifies over ED crackdown on I-PAC Director ahead of Bengal polls
The Statesman | 15 April 2026
The arrest of an I-PAC director has ignited a fierce political clash between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both sides trading sharp accusations just days before the West Bengal elections. While the TMC has called the action an attempt to intimidate the opposition, the BJP has hit back, accusing the ruling party of hypocrisy and long-standing political violence in the state.
The Directorate of Enforcement’s Headquarters Investigation Unit in Delhi arrested Indian PAC Consulting Pvt. Ltd. director Vinesh Chandel on April 13 in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the alleged coal pilferage case. The political row erupted after a Delhi court sent Chandel to 10 days of ED custody. Chandel was produced before the court late on April 13, with the hearing continuing into the early hours of April 14, after which custody was granted. He was arrested by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee launched a strong attack, saying the arrest of Chandel so close to the elections “shakes the very idea of a level playing field”.
He said that at a time when West Bengal should be moving toward free and fair elections, such action sends a “chilling message” that those working with the opposition could be targeted next. Calling it “not democracy, but intimidation”, Banerjee alleged that investigative agencies were being used at politically convenient moments.
He also pointed to what he called a “double standard”, claiming that people facing serious corruption charges find protection after switching sides, while others are targeted swiftly.
Banerjee further said that when institutions meant to safeguard democracy begin to feel like tools of pressure, public trust starts to weaken. Referring to agencies like the ED, NIA and CBI, he said their actions during sensitive periods create “an atmosphere of fear, not fairness”.
Calling the issue bigger than a single arrest, he said it raises questions about whether institutions remain independent and whether citizens can participate in democracy without fear. He also issued a direct challenge to the BJP leadership, saying, “To Amit Shah and the BJP’s power structure – Be in Bengal on the 4th and 5th of May. Come with Gyanesh Kumar and every agency you deploy. Bengal will not be bullied, will not be silenced and will not bow. This is a land that answers pressure with resistance, and it will show you exactly what that means!”
Responding strongly, BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh dismissed the TMC’s claims and questioned its record on law and order.
He said it was ironic for the TMC to speak about free and fair elections, alleging that “every corner of West Bengal tells stories of goonda raj and politicised administration”.
Santhosh also accused the TMC of being responsible for the deaths of several BJP workers in the state, claiming that over 300 party workers had lost their lives. He said the TMC had no grounds to question the functioning of agencies.
According to the ED, the case is linked to a money laundering probe in an alleged coal pilferage matter. The investigation began based on an FIR filed by Delhi Police.
Officials said the probe has uncovered suspected financial irregularities, including the use of accounted and unaccounted funds, unsecured loans without proper credentials, and fake invoices.
The agency also alleged that funds were routed through third parties and moved via domestic and international hawala channels. Around ₹50 crore linked to suspected proceeds of crime has been identified so far.
Earlier, the ED conducted searches at 11 locations across cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vijayawada and Ranchi. Offices linked to I-PAC, residences of its directors and other premises were covered, leading to the seizure of documents and materials.
Meanwhile, the legal battle continues. The Delhi High Court has heard pleas filed by I-PAC directors Rishi Raj Singh and Pratik Jain challenging ED summons in the case. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 17.